ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe, an IHG Hotel

Since we went as a family of four with two little kids, I wanted to stay at a convenient location. We could’ve chosen Sannomiya area, but we chose this hotel for its proximity to ShinKobe Station (as we travelled by bullet train). It made it so easy for us as we could walk to the hotel from the station and drop off our luggages at the bell desk immediately upon arrival at the station. If you take the taxi, it’s also accessible to major tourist spots including Kitano and the Bay Area (and ofc there were multiple taxis waiting at the hotel entrance all the time so we didn’t need to wait). Although the facility felt quite old, whenever we needed something, the staff came to our hotel quickly and were super polite and reliable — they solved our needs promptly. The city view from our 26th floor was beautiful as well.

Amazing skyscraper hotel. Our room was Japan spacious even with a queen bed on the 26th floor. Perfect bathroom, of course. We paid less than 100 dollars for this spectacular view. The breakfast buffet is not possible to top with both appetizing presentation and endless variety. These guys are not kidding.

This property is in a great location just steps from the Shin-Kobe station, the ropeway to the herb garden, and a short walk to the Kitano area. However, the hotel is worn looking. The carpet in the hallway of our floor and in our room had large stains. Breakfast was mediocre and staff was slow to refill empty dishes on the buffet. I think what impacted my stay most negatively is that I always felt like I was less valued as a guest. For example, when I was seated for breakfast the first morning, I was seated in a windowless overflow room with another family even though the main dining room was not full. I felt like I was being hidden from sight. I was given a room directly across from the elevator. Although those seem like small things, those decisions on behalf of the staff set a mood that that clouded my experience.